Japanese Inspired Contemplation Bench

I built this bench using wedge joinery. The center stretcher is attached the legs with a through tenon and wedged in place with a through tenon. The top is held in place with wedged through tenons. The bench is made of walnut and the wedges in the top are mahogany.

Great looking contemplation bench! I built something similar, and enjoyed watching your build. I like the angled legs, and your wood combo—very nice!

How did you finish it? The finish looks very nice. Also, it didn t look like you glued the wedges in the benchtop—did I miss a part, or did you leave them dry?

- MeanDean

Thanks MeanDean, I used a satin wipe on poly, and yes I did glue all the tenons and wedges in place with epoxy. In the video I cut out the glue spreading after I test fit it, as watching glue being spread didn’t seem that interest to watch.

Very nice work. May I ask how you go about laying out for the through mortises on the top?

- DanG61270

Thanks Dan, I cut the tenons first and then build a plywood template around the tenons and use that to lay out and cut the mortises in the top. If the template fits tight the tenons will fit tight. I always cut from the top side of the top so if their is any blowout it will be hidden by the shoulder of the legs